So, dunno what kind of response I'll get here but I wanna get something off my chest...

I have a friend I've known for a few years now. She's one of my best friends, we've hung out nearly every day since we really got talking. I decided to sign up for a class out of state for the summer, to kind of get away from life and learn about something tangentially related to what I'm already studying. I was feeling burnt out and lost, and my parents really pushed and supported me in taking this trip. I know it's a spoiled thing to go do, but I thought I'd take the opportunity.

My friend heard the news when I signed up and got in, and ended up signing up too, but without really telling her parents about it. I don't think they were in a good financial spot to send her, but they've supported her anyways. So we are both here now, and having a pretty good time. I am glad she came, it's nice having one person you know here, but I keep having these concerns and doubts that are making me kind of bitter.

I guess I'll chalk it up to the one causing me the most grief; my friend doesn't really have the money to go on outings. She barely has enough most of the time to pay for bus fare. She mentioned the other day that her parents got scammed, putting them in an even tougher position. I'm helping her out when I can but I don't have unlimited cash myself. Paying for a bus fare here and again is fine, and we try to plan cheap meals together, but I'm out in a big, new city and I would really like to go out and do something sometimes. Go to the movie, or go to the arcade, or go to an amusement park. But she really doesn't have the money to d things like that, and I don't have the money to pay for her every time. I would like to invite classmates instead, but I would feel bad leaving her out, even if I didn't tell her about it.

I feel like it's my fault her family is in this tough position financially and I'm really regretting even signing up if it means I have to sit around doing nothing but playing games and feeling guilty all the time. And then I think it'd have been better if I was just on my own even though I know thats not true. I have no idea if I would be making better friendships if she wasn't here, maybe so maybe not. I dunno. Maybe I'm just a jerk for being this bitter. I came here to experience some freedom but I feel tied down all over again.

This might be a little late, but I had a hard time trying to help you. This is a very hard situation that gets you stuck. Here are some suggestions:

1.I think you should talk to her about it. She is your best friend, so she should understand. You can just say that you feel guilty of bringing her, or the fact that you can't take her everywhere, or etc. Hopefully, she will understand and agree to let you go with other people to hang about without feeling any sadness. You can also say that you did come there to look and explore things.

2.Maybe you can work together on this. After you talk it out or if you didn't, you can ask to do a part-time job or something together. Just anyway to earn, extra money. Look around for loose change on the ground or maybe anywhere. It will help her and she might be able to go hang with you.

I know you may feel guilty and bad, but you want to explore new places like other people would. I'm sure her family would understand, even just a little. Your friend is a good one. So no matter, you are helping her in anyway you can. That is also what a good friend does. You should feel happy that she was there for you. And if you do feel guilty not bringing her anywhere, just be honest and still take her with you. You can tell her that she can't spend a lot at all. Like in the movie theaters, she can just buy a ticket and nothing else (Sorry no more than that, tickets are usally $8-$14). I don't know if that is cheap, but...at least there is no guilt?

I'm very sorry if this wasn't helpful. If you need more help, just come back to this place, of course! I will try to answer the best I can! Stay positive. And do what you think is right! ^_^